Care for a Crane

A sandhill crane that was treated at UF’s Small Animal Hospital after being found stuck in the muck at Orange Lake was released to state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists on March 14. The biologists transported the bird to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, where it will undergo further rehabilitative care before hopefully being released back into the wild.

UF zoological medicine veterinarians reported that the crane arrived on March 2 in critical condition, coated in mud, cold and very lethargic. Veterinarians administered oxygen and inserted an IV catheter to provide fluids to the bird, and by the end of the day, the crane was standing and acting more normal.

“Serial blood work was performed to monitor for muscle damage and kidney damage that occurs when animals have been struggling or have had a high period of exertion,” said Dr. Jessica Emerson, a zoological medicine resident, adding that the crane’s blood values, attitude and appetite improved during its stay due to treatment.

At the time of its release, the crane had continued to show improvement in attitude and appetite, although UF veterinarians say there is still the potential that further muscle damage or chronic kidney damage could occur and render the animal unreleasable.

“However, at this time we are cautiously optimistic that this crane will do well,” Emerson said.

 

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March 2012

Atchar checks on a patient in the LINAC, February 2012.

Physics, technical expertise guide LINAC’s success

A visiting physicist and a specially trained technician have helped boost the success of the new linear accelerator in UF’s Small Animal Hospital during its first year of operation.

Dr. Nancy Denslow in aquatic lab

Researcher relishes problem-solving, teaching

Dr. Nancy Denslow, a professor of physiological sciences, is respected not just for her scientific expertise, but also for her collegiality and collaborative spirit.

Care for a Crane

Zoological medicine veterinarians were able to save the life of a sandhill crane that was rescued after being found stuck in the muck at Orange Lake.

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